State House, Freetown, 11 May 2026 – The Government of Sierra Leone and the Republic of Türkiye have signed a landmark agreement for the construction and furnishing of the Emine Erdoğan Mother and Child Hospital in Bo City, marking a major step toward transforming maternal and child healthcare in Sierra Leone.
The protocol, signed between the Office of the President of Sierra Leone and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, reflects the growing diplomatic and development partnership between both countries.
Inspired by the shared vision of Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, and Türkiye’s First Lady, Emine Erdoğan, the project is expected to significantly strengthen maternal and child healthcare while advancing President Julius Maada Bio’s Human Capital Development agenda.
The modern 2,000-square-metre hospital will include emergency services, operating theatres, specialized obstetric units, advanced neonatal intensive care units, antenatal and postnatal wards, and training facilities for healthcare professionals.
Welcoming guests at the signing ceremony, the Secretary to the President described the initiative as another milestone in Government’s commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s healthcare sector.
TİKA Coordinator to Sierra Leone, Mirzet Müezzinoğlu, reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to equitable healthcare access, stating that sustainable development begins with the wellbeing of mothers and children. He added that the partnership would also provide professional training and capacity-building opportunities for Sierra Leonean doctors and health workers.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health described the agreement as “a declaration of hope, dignity and life,” emphasizing that no mother should lose her life while giving life and no child should be denied quality healthcare.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Yusuf Burak Rende, described the project as a historic symbol of friendship, solidarity, and shared development aspirations between the two nations.
In her keynote address, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio described the agreement as “the signing of a dream” that will save lives and restore hope for thousands of families across Sierra Leone. She also thanked the First Lady of Türkiye for her continued support and appreciated the Inspector General of Police for providing the land for the project.
The agreement further strengthens cooperation between Sierra Leone and Türkiye in healthcare, infrastructure development, and people-centered service delivery.
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